Custom Element Definition Tool for Graphical Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current graphical modeling applications are cumbersome for users to create and share custom elements, as they require understanding of APIs and fail to capture semantic content, making the process complex and static, limiting sharing among users.
Innovation Solution
A system with a custom element definition tool that captures both static graphical and semantic data elements, allowing users to create and store user-defined custom elements as files, which can be shared and registered within the application, enabling modification and distribution to other users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If users create custom elements using existing mechanisms, then custom elements can be saved, but the process is cumbersome and requires understanding of APIs
Solution Approach 1:
A custom element definition tool is introduced as an intermediary between users and the API-based custom element creation process. This tool captures graphical and semantic data from selected elements and automatically generates the necessary definitions, shielding users from API complexity while enabling custom element creation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to define custom elements through self-service by selecting existing elements and using the definition tool to automatically capture their properties and generate custom element definitions without requiring manual API programming.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom elements are created using current mechanisms, then they can be saved, but they are static and unable to be shared among users
Solution Approach 1:
Custom element definitions are stored as separate definition files that can be copied and distributed to other users. These files contain all necessary graphical and semantic data, allowing easy sharing and replication of custom elements across different users and sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing and storing both graphical and semantic data during the custom element definition phase. This pre-capture of complete element information enables future sharing and reuse without requiring re-creation or additional data collection.
3Loss of information
If only graphical illustration is captured, then custom elements can be created, but semantic content is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The definition tool merges the capture of graphical data (visual properties, layout) and semantic data (meaning, relationships, attributes) into a unified custom element definition process. Both types of data are captured simultaneously and stored together in the definition files.
Solution Approach 2:
The custom element definition tool serves multiple functions: it captures graphical properties, extracts semantic data, generates element definitions, and prepares files for sharing. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise be separate complex processes into a single unified tool.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention can include a solution for capturing user-defined custom elements for use in a graphical modeling application. Such a system can include a graphical modeling application and a custom element definition tool. The graphical modeling application can be configured to create semantic models that contain a static graphical elements and semantic data elements. The custom element definition tool can be configured to create a user-defined custom element for the graphical modeling application. The user-defined custom element can consist of one or more static graphical element and/or one or more semantic data element.